MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Fellows of Air University’s Blue Horizons program took a break from the classroom and visited the Alabama Department of Archives and History August 2, 2019, in Montgomery, Alabama, to watch a documentary and were afforded the opportunity to meet both the star and producer of the film.
Blue Horizons is a highly-selective developmental education program, enrolling 14 AU students a year, that focuses on creating prototypes to solve a ‘challenge question’ created by the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David L. Goldfein.
As a part of the program, the Blue Horizons fellows watched the documentary “From Core to Sun” to inspire them to take risks and strive for greatness as they move forward in their careers.
The film follows Ecuadorian athlete, Millan Ludeña, as he strives to break the Guinness World Record for the “From the Earth’s Core to the Sun” race. This involved traveling to, and then running a half marathon at, the two most extreme points in the world: Mponeng Gold Mine, the world’s deepest mine, and the Chimborazo volcano, the highest peak near the equator.
“This [film] is a great example of a crazy idea from someone who thought it was possible,” said Maj. Kristen ’Gold’ Smith, Blue Horizons fellow. “I think we learned that, if you have your vision and think you are deserving of what that outcome could be, then you can achieve really great things, regardless of how many people say ‘no,’ and how many times you fail, you just keep going.”
After the credits began rolling, Ludeña entered the theatre, met with each of the fellows and had an open discussion about his journey.
“I hope the students identified with Millan’s journey and were motivated and inspired by it,” said Maj. Ryan Middleton, Blue Horizons instructor. “Through the human connection of meeting him and asking questions, I also hope they realize they are capable of great things and, just like Millan, raise the limits of what may be possible in this program and their Air Force career.”